Munaf Patel, not known for his agility and all-round skills in the park, has received a vote of confidence from India's fielding coach, Robin Singh. Speaking on the opening day of a specialist skills coaching clinic at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, Singh said that Munaf’s improved throwing had given him his “biggest satisfaction”.

This is the second bit of praise for the lanky fast bowler in recent times. During an impressive stint with India's one-day side in Sri Lanka last year, the captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni reckoned Munaf had really come along with his outfielding after an ODI in Dambulla.

Robin, who played 136 ODIs for India, noticed a trend away from specialists toward more all-round fielders. “You find bowlers are standing more in the circle and have to be more alert," he said. "The grounds are a bit smaller, so the ball gets to you much earlier and faster. It’s a new ball, so we try to do things with much more intensity when we practice. If you’re looking to read the game, fielding becomes that much easier.”